The Gunners have agreed a fee with Manchester City for Gabriel Jesus and there has been much talk on how he will fit tactically in Mikel Arteta's side in the upcoming season. He can occupy a number of positions but what can Arsenal fans expect?
The profile: Exquisite
On the left, on the right or down the middle. Flexible. It’s been said that Jesus has been ‘sold’ by being Arteta’s ‘Focal point’ according to CBS Sports reporter, Ben Jacobs, and he definitely has that quality too. With him being only 25 years old, he still has room to improve but can also develop to be the main man in North London.
Even though he stands at 5 foot 9 inches, his ability to be used as a facilitator and allowing the inside forwards at City to be in goal scoring chances has been key over the last five seasons with The Sky Blues. He’s mastered the way to drop deep and link play as displayed below,(Manchester City Youtube channel)-
A striker? A winger?
Gabriel Jesus has been primarily used along the front three in his Manchester City career, but more recently in the 2021/2022 season, he’s been deployed on the right flank.
Even though it is suspected Gabriel will play as the central striker, his capability to interchange with the wingers will be much of use. He can provide essential cover on the flanks and has even played in a front two with Sergio Aguero... heard of him?
That experience performing as an understudy, a partner and even ahead of Aguero at times, would have undoubtedly given the Brazilian time to adapt new skills and assets while transitioning to the Premier League.
Since he can perform on both flanks, his goals range as pointed below.
He is able to change his body shape or change the way he attacks the ball depending on whatever position he is deployed, which will be of big help especially in transitions.
‘Best pressing forward in the world’
A quote from Pep Guardiola. Not bad praise. The stats back this claim too.
According to Fbref via Statsbomb, Gabriel sits in the 96th percentile for interceptions against other forwards, which is 0.81 per 90. His other traits including progressive passes and carries, dribbles completed and touches in the attacking penalty area which rank extremely highly too- more reason why Arteta has wanted the Brazilian for his all-round play.
Gabriel’s performance vs Watford last season was a preview for what's to come: an immense centre-forward display resulting in four (yes four) goals and an assist.
He also won 5 ground duels, won 7 ball recoveries, completed 3 key passes and won a penalty in his Man of the Match display which resulted in a 10 SofaScore statistical rating, which is hard to argue against.
Below you see how Gabriel can use his ability by winning the ball on the right wing, then creating an opportunity for Rodri, who converted the chance (Images: Sky Sports Premier League Youtube channel).
… After recovering the ball, he picks out the right pass resulting an assist for himself; He managed an impressive 12 assists last season with 8 in the league.
A ‘Fox in the Box’ that’s creative too: What Arsenal have needed?
Gabi has scored 58 Premier League goals exclusively from inside the box (Squawka) , the most by any player, but he’s not your typical ‘poacher’ as his creative ability has been imperative for the Premier League champions, managing an assist every 0.35 per 90, meaning he averages an assist every other game.
He can create chances out of nothing as seen below with his deft touches, leaving defenders behind.
The 25-year-old still has his Brazilian flair to add to his brilliant agility, which is something that has lacked with Arsenal strikers over the years. Lacazette and Aubameyang were not getting any younger and it was clear the attacking prowess they both once had slowly faded.
So, will Gabriel Jesus be a success? Time will tell. Arteta has coached him before so he’ll have an idea what he is working with. He leaves City with an impressive 96 goals, 46 assists and 4 league titles. A winner. Arsenal need someone to resurrect their attack... so their fans will hope Jesus can be that man.